EVERYDAY HEROES: TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN

Sixty students from three universities took part at the training for volunteers organized by the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Health between 11 and 15 September 2021. The learning activity, part of the Eramus+ strategic partnership for higher education “Enhancing volunteering and its recognition in higher education curricula and on the labour market in Eastern Europe”, aimed at increasing civic engagement of students.

The event was hosted by the University of Debrecen, Faculty of Health in Nyíregyháza, and attended by students from the host university, from the Sapientia University (Cluj Napoca) and J. Selye University (Komárno). The program was not only informative but also rich in experiences and practice. Sensitisation was an important element of the event, which was achieved through the cooperation with the Hungarian Special Olympics Federation. Their athletes initiated participants into the world of people with disabilities and the movement Special Olympics.

Honest discussions and an open atmosphere helped participants take considerable steps towards mutual acceptance, and increased their motivation for civic engagement.